Ford Flex

Taking cues from the past to bring itself into the future, Ford has ditched its minivan lineup and replaced it with the retro Ford Flex. Feeling that consumers are tired of the boxy blandness and suburban stigma assocated with minivans, Ford revitalizes the genre with a stylish head-turner that recalls 1950s station wagons, yet serves up enough innovative features to appeal to the modern family.

Set to debut in the summer of 2008 as a 2009 model, the Ford Flex will be powered by a 3.5-liter, 265-hp V6 and 6-speed automatic to start, but may add Ford's new Twin-Force V6 as well. Three trims will initially be offered (the SE, SEL, and Limited), with a Lincoln trim likely for 2009. Both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive versions will be available. At 202 inches long and with a 118-inch wheelbase, the Flex will be Ford's longest crossover, able to seat seven in three rows. Convenience features will include voice-activated navigation, keypad entry, a second-row fridge, and the new Ford Sync entertainment system.

Recognizing the American family's growing attraction to sleeker crossovers, Ford hopes the MINI-like looks of the Flex will inject a jolt of energy into the stagnant minivan segment.